The effectiveness of our effort against SARS is proven and unrelenting. I commend all those involved in this valiant fight, including our health authorities and workers, local leaders and communities and most of all, our vigilant public. We will continue to work for a SARS-free clearance from WHO as a reward for the effort. With transparency combined with compassion, superior coordination and solidarity, we will defeat this menace. Once more, I would like our people to remain calm, but fully alert. Review the preventive measures prescribed by the health department and religiously observe these. The key to fighting this disease is individual diligence and discipline. Be accountable for yourself and for the welfare of others.

Gracia Burnham has clarified that she has never accused the Philippine military of colluding with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf and extracted a cut in the ransom money contrary to what has appeared in today’s newspapers.

In an interview with Alan Colmes and Sean Hannity, which was carried in today’s newscast of the New York-based Fox News Channel, Mrs. Burnham also credited the military with trying its best to rescue them from their kidnappers.

When asked by the interviewer if it was true that she accused the military of trying to get a portion of the ransom, she said that she actually got the information from her kidnappers.

"Well, that’s what I was told, and I always preface that in my book by ‘that was what I was told.’ I didn’t really accuse anyone," Mrs. Burnham said.

Quoting from her recently-published book, In The Presence Of My Enemies, wire reports said Burnham has accused the military of colluding with her captors and that a general demanded a 50 percent cut from the ransom.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to arrange with US authorities for a formal and thorough investigation of Mrs. Burnham’s allegations.

The President said the investigation is aimed at providing the public with the bare facts of the allegations and to lodge legal action against those found culpable of any violations of the military Code of Conduct and the law.

In the interview, Mrs. Burnham also said that she believed the Philippine military did its best to rescue them and it was only unfortunate that her husband, Martin, was killed in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf.

"I think the military was trying their best to get us out of there. The 17^th gun battle is the one that killed Martin. I think they were doing all they could to locate us. And I think their agenda was to get us out of there safely," Mrs. Burnham said.

When asked if the Abu Sayyaf had any connection with the terrorist Osama bin Laden, Mrs. Burnham answered in the affirmative.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to coordinate with United States authorities and conduct a formal and thorough investigation on the allegations of former Abu Sayyaf hostage Gracia Burnham against the military.

The President issued the directives in her keynote speech during the 143^rd birth anniversary of Bishop Gregorio Labayan Aglipay at the National Cathedral of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente on Taft Avenue, Manila. On the same occasion, the President administered the oath of the newly elected officers and members of Bishop Gregorio L. Aglipay Foundation, Inc.

During her speech, the President also ordered the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to strengthen the rules of engagement against terrorist groups to prohibit and sanction any form of friendly contact with these groups, as alleged by Mrs. Burnham.

The President said she ordered the DOJ and DFA to investigate Mrs. Burnham’s alleged charges of collusion between the military and the Abu Sayyaf "so that the facts may be laid bare to the public."

She also directed the "lodging of proper legal action against those found culpable of any violations of the military Code of Conduct and the law."

In the same speech, the President reiterated her confidence in the determination and capability of the men in uniform to finish off the Abu Sayyaf.

She also paid tribute to the valor and gallantry of the troops who sacrificed life and limb in the rescue of Mrs. Burnham and other hostages.

The President assured Mrs. Burnham that justice will be done.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today assured the Filipino people that the disposition or negotiation of residual issues regarding the Public Estates Authority-Amari consortium and the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) cases will be done in full view of the public, with utmost diligence and with the paramount national interest in mind.

"The people need not worry about hidden agenda or rash judgments," the President said in her speech during the celebration of the 143^rd birth anniversary of Bishop Gregorio Labayan Aglipay at the National Cathedral of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente on Taft Avenue, Manila.

"There is a process to resolve these things in a manner that will satisfy all parties under the principles of justice and fair play. The process will be deliberate, systematic and transparent," the President said.

The President also issued a strict warning to all government officials that they would face severe sanctions if they did not follow or violated the principles set by the Supreme Court in its rulings of the PEA-Amari and Piatco cases.

"I reject insinuations that past corruption will flow over to this administration, and I am prepared to impose the most severe sanctions against any government officials who violate the principles set forth by the High Court," the President said.

The President said the SC rulings provided a boost to good governance and good business practices in the country.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would rather have classes in all levels open in September instead of June.

The President made known her preference today even as she stressed that her choice has nothing to do with the threat of SARS or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

In the 100^th episode of her weekly television program, The Working President, the Chief Executive said that all along she had wanted a September opening of classes because she wanted the school children to be spared of the rains which usually come starting in June.

She said that it is also during the rainy season that children from the countryside help their parents tend the farm.

"Kaya para sa akin, September ang maganda pero hindi dahil sa SARS kundi dahil sa mga panahon ng ating new seasons (So for me, September is the best time to open classes not because of SARS but because of our changing seasons)," the President told program host, actress and TV host Jolina Magdangal.

In the same program aired tonight (6 to 7 p.m.) over NBN Channel 4, the President said the government is doing everything to provide jobs to new graduates despite the harsh times.

She revealed that jobs fairs are being conducted in various parts of the country to help the new graduates. In Metro Manila, she said, an ongoing jobs fair at SM Megamall that started April 5 and ends June 10 has so far generated opportunities for 16,000 out of the target of 100,000.

"I would like to assure our graduates that the government is doing everything at its disposal to provide jobs. Ginagawa natin ang lahat sa kabila ng napakahirap nang buhay sa buong mundo ngayon. Lahat ng ating patakaran ay sinisikap natin para dumami ang trabaho. Pumunta lang sila sa mga jobs fair na ito at samantalahin ang pagkakataon (We are doing everything at our disposal to provide jobs despite the difficult times. All they have to do is go to these jobs fairs and take advantage of the opportunity)," she said.

The Working President features the different activities of the President and other documentaries on government agencies, projects and programs.

MASANTOL, Pampanga—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today inspected the P2.9-billion Pampanga Delta Development Project (Flood Control Component Phase 1) in this town, designed to protect some 10,000 hectares of low-lying agricultural and residential areas along the Pampanga River.

The President arrived around noon at Barangay Bebe Anac here where she was warmly welcomed by Mayor Corazon Lacap, her husband Health Undersecretary Epifanio Lacap, Public Works Secretary Florante Soriquez, 4^th District Congressman Juan Pablo Bondoc, presidential son Vice Governor Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, and enthusiastic barangay residents.

Project Manager and Director Eduardo Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) briefed the President on the project financed through a 7.537-billion yen loan package from the Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC).

Work on the 14.2-kilometer flood control project included the dredging and diking from the mouth of the Manila Bay in Macabebe town and Hagonoy, Bulacan going upstream up to Barangay Bebe Anac in Masantol.

The project is expected to benefit some 61,000 residents living along the Pampanga River usually affected by flooding, especially during the rainy season.

During the rainy season, residents said rainwater from Mt. Pinatubo, Arayat, Apalit, and San Fernando City normally converges in Masantol before exiting to Manila Bay.

After the inspection, the President proceeded to San Fernando City and unveiled the bust of her late father, President Diosdado Macapagal, at the provincial capitol grounds.

The President then proceeded to Barangay Anon, Floridablanca town and laid the time capsule in the proposed Anon Bridge that will link the different remote barangays in that town.